New York Jets news and notes

Team announces awards- On Monday Rex Ryan announced the following team awards as voted on by the players.

Team MVP: David Harris

Ed Block Courage Award : Shaun Ellis

Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational Player: LaDainian Tomlinson

Will Sanchez play on Sunday? As of now Rex Ryan remains undecided on whether quarterback Mark Sanchez will play on Sunday.  Sanchez admittedly has a sore shoulder, but continues to ask for reps.  This is a tough spot for Rex as if Sanchez plays, and plays poorly, an argument can be made that this momentum was ruined.  Then again if Mark sits out, many will say that he will be rusty heading into the playoff game.  My personal opinion is to let the kid play the first half of the game.

Jets heading to KC? As of now it appears that the Jets will be heading to Kansas City for their first round playoff game in 2 weeks.  While many in Jets nation are happy about this match-up, be careful as the Chiefs are a very dangerous team especially playing at home.  Kansas City is almost using the “ground and pound” philosophy better than the Jets.  And you just know former Jet Thomas Jones will be a huge factor in this game.

Back to basics- On Monday Rex Ryan stated that he will be getting back to basics with his defense.  Not for nothing but I am tired of hearing Rex talk about what he is going to do with his defense.  The bottom line is that the pass rush has struggled for the majority of the year, and the secondary, mainly the safeties and nickelbacks, continue to get exposed.  If Ryan’s defense as a whole does not improve Gang Green will be one and out in the playoffs.

Resting Revis? Rex Ryan has not yet identified any players that will not play on Sunday but if I had a vote I would make Darrelle Revis one of them.  Revis has been battling a hamstring injury for the majority of the season and there is no reason to play him in what could be brisk conditions.

In addition there are several other players like LaDainian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, Shaun Ellis, Bart Scott and Nick Mangold that I would give limited time to.  Let the second and third string units get some playing time and have the veterans ready for a physical battle against KC.  Hey you never know maybe Gholston will get a sack, Wilson an interception, and McKnight a rushing touchdown.  Once Sanchez is out even give Ducasse a chance to play!  Anyone else noticing the trend with last year’s draft class?

Tyson Rauch

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